Urban Splash has agreed terms to acquire modular offsite construction business SIG Building Systems and has announced two new investors in a show of commitment to modular development.
The acquisition includes SIG’s modular factory in the East Midlands, all the IP and patents of its modular housing system and around 70 staff. The factory has been used by Urban Splash for offsite construction of its custom-build House brand.
Architect and Channel 4 presenter George Clarke and north-west tech entrepreneur and founder of WeBuyAnyCar.com Noel McKee have both invested in Urban Splash modular operations, the company announced today.
Urban Splash chairman Tom Bloxham said: “Urban Splash is committed to expanding its offsite construction capacity and this purchase is a way to vertically integrate our business and give us control of the production of our Houses. It is a testament to our commitment to, and investment in, modular housing.
“SIG has been a great company to work with, but as the factory gradually filled up with Urban Splash product, it became clear to all that its natural home was with Urban Splash. We will continue to work with SIG’s excellent supply chain and welcome our great new colleagues from SIG into the Urban Splash team.”
Urban Splash has been developing its modular portfolio for the past 10 years. The company’s first foray using offsite technology was at its Moho development in Manchester’s Castlefield.
Since its initial development of the House concept in 2012, however, it has turned its attention to the rollout of its customisable Town House.
The first Town House scheme was completed in New Islington, in Manchester, in 2016, with two further sites under way in Manchester and North Shields; a fourth site, in Birmingham, has also received planning permission.
As well as acquiring the House factory, the company has brought in the knowledge and expertise of investors to further extend its modular reach. Bloxham said: “Noel disrupted the used car market with his invention of WeBuyAnyCar.com; in housing, we are challenging another traditional market – new homes – so Noel’s wealth of knowledge is crucial for us as we look to move innovation forward in this sector.
“George will give us a brilliant design counsel; he shares our passion for the way architecture can transform our everyday lives and believes that houses are the single most important pieces of architecture – and that everyone has the right to a decent, well-designed home.”
To send feedback, e-mail Louisa.Clarence-Smith@egi.co.uk or tweet @LouisaClarence or @estatesgazette
